Fremont Resident Gains Knowledge & Support While Losing WeightFor Colleen Trinko, maintaining a healthy weight over the years has been an up and down struggle. The long time Fremont resident had tried several different diets but nothing really worked. But about two years ago, she decided to try the Right Weigh Program at the Washington Women's Center and she has lost more than 25 pounds. Along with losing weight and keeping it off, Trinko has gained valuable knowledge that has helped sustain her weight loss.ÒThe Right Weigh program has provided me with discipline and a new way of thinking about food and activity,Ó she says. ÒOne of the most important aspects about the program is learning how to eat healthy and in a sensible manner. I have developed a genuine balance in my life thanks to the clinical expertise that this program offers.ÓThe Right Weigh program is led by Anna Mazzei, a Washington Hospital registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Mazzei has more than two decades of experience focusing on outpatient counseling for people with diabetes and weight management issues. The goal of the program is promote sound nutrition, physical activity and positive lifestyle changes that lead to long-term weight loss and improved overall health.

"I had joined Weight Watchers years ago, but the weight just came right back," Trinko explains. "The Right Weigh Program offers more personal attention and Anna Mazzei provides an extensive amount of knowledge that you can trust. Another reason I like this program is that it doesnÕt involve a commitment to a product or costly plan.ÓProgram Offers Expert Guidance

The Right Weigh program takes place over a 12-week period that include personal one-to-one consultations and assessments along with small group sessions that include discussion topics on meal planning, getting active, and behavioral strategies that help you get on track and continue toward your goal.

Mazzei says many people trying to lose weight already know much about what they should do to lose weight. She says the difficulty comes in the "How-To" and to implement the necessary changes into our daily lives consistently.

"It's imperative that the diet and exercise goals are tailored to the individual - this is not a "one-size fits all" approach," she says. "This is often why individuals get discouraged following a diet because it doesn't take the individuals life, time schedules and responsibilities into consideration. This program educates and guides the participant to empower themselves to achieve a healthier weight. We provide the tools and options the participant needs to individualize the meal and exercise plans to fit their changing needs."Trinko says she really enjoyed the opportunity to share information and learn from other people during the programÕs group discussion sessions. Mazzei often brings new recipes and healthy food items to try at each meeting and one of the group sessions involves a Òfield-tripÓ to the local supermarket.ÒAnna Mazzei took our group to the grocery store and walked us through the aisles,Ó Trinko recalls. ÒShe read food labels and led a discussion on how to evaluate which food products are better choices.ÓNow Trinko takes part in a follow-up program called the Right Track, which meets once a month to keep participants going in the right direction.

"Anna Mazzei also facilitates the Right Track program and IÕve been participating every month for the last two years,Ó says Trinko. ÒI know that IÕve been able to maintain my weight loss because of the Right Weigh program and I encourage anyone who wants to lose weight to sign up. I know it has worked for me.ÓCan Anyone Join This Program?

All women who want to lose weight but don't know how to begin or have been unsuccessful with "other" weight loss programs are encouraged to sign up. Mazzei says that women who struggle with barriers that prevent nutritious meal planning, engaging in regular exercise and/or developing healthy behaviors will benefit from this program. Women with severe obesity and those that need to continue weight loss upon completion of the program will be referred to appropriate health providers as needed. (Participants will be asked to inform and be cleared by their physician before participating.)

Classes are Now Forming for the "Right Weigh" Program

To register for the "Right Weigh" Nutrition program, call Laura Constantine, R.N., Washington Women's Center Coordinator at (510) 608-1356 to schedule your individual appointments and enroll in the class starting Tuesday, February 5. Group classes meet once a week for the first four weeks. Then sessions meet every two weeks for the next two months. The fee for the entire program is $185. Group classes and meetings will take place inside the Washington Women's Center, Suite 150, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue in Fremont. To learn more about all the programs and services offered at the Washington Women's Center visit www.whhs.com/womenscenter